The debuts keep coming from HDS Medallion! We just revealed our beautiful new Colorwash Metro designer CarryAll bag for mobility devices, but we're not done yet. Introducing the Universal Expression bag, the latest addition to the HDS Medallion lineup of stylish and functional CarryAll bags for wheelchairs, walkers, power chairs and more!

The Universal Expression won't just add storage and style to your mobility device. Featuring our unique interchangeable band system, it's our first bag that truly lets you customize its look to match your personal style. With several unique options to choose from, and even more on the way, this bag presents our customers with a level of personalization we've never been able to offer before.

However, customization isn't the only way the Universal Expression bag represents a first for HDS Medallion. As we've traveled the country visiting trade shows and expos, we've gotten countless requests from men asking when we'll have a bag for them. We've heard you, and it's here! The Universal Expression is our first bag with styles designed for men and women, so now everyone can add the style and function of an HDS Medallion bag to their mobility device! We were able to offer the first bags at several shows in the summer and men and women bought them!

Here's all the details on what makes the Universal Expression Designer CarryAll bag for mobility devices so unique:

- Our first bag made for both men and women!- Made entirely of black twill produced entirely in the USA.- Available both with or without a zippered enclosure. - With three small pockets in the front, one pocket in the back and two interior pockets, the Universal Expression offers a wide array of storage options.- Made in our Premier Size (15” x 12”) for versatility with a wide array of mobility devices without sacrificing room for your valuables. - The hardware is durable nickel with a bright silver finish.- The interior is lined in black cotton, while the inside pockets feature a neutral gray, black, gold, white fabric called CityScape.- Each bag has a 13 inch black twill band that is attached with Velcro at the top of the 3 outside pockets. When you purchase one of these bags, you also can select one of seven additional bands as a change of expression for the bag. Just remove the band and put on the other band to change your look! And you can purchase any additional bands you would like for additional looks. But remember, your selection of the 7 comes with your bag. Just select which bag & band combination you would like.- Seven different bands are available now. We will be adding more for purchase - available soon! - The whole bag is washable. Simply remove the straps, turn bag inside out and pin it closed. You can also put it in a lingerie washing bag.

When purchasing your Universal Expression bag, simply choose the model that works best for you, either zippered or unzippered. Then, add the bag pictured with whichever additional band you prefer to the cart. After checkout, your Universal Expression bag and additional strap will be packaged together and sent on their way to you!

We're thrilled to add this unique, attractive, functional Universal Expression Designer CarryAll bag for mobility devices to our ever-expanding collection. What's more, we're also thrilled to finally offer a bag for men as well as women, so everyone can add the style and function of an HDS Medallion bag to their walker, wheelchair or power chair! Let us know which band is your favorite, and stay tuned to our website for additional new designs coming soon!

The Colorwash Metro is the latest addition to HDS Medallion's lineup of designer CarryAll bags for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and power chairs. But what is it that makes the Colorwash so unique? At first glance you'll certainly notice the explosion of color, but there's a lot more than just the exterior that makes this bag so special. Here are all the features that make the Colorwash Metro one of our most exciting new HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll bags to date!

- The exterior of these bags isn't just beautiful to behold. The Colorwash Metro is made from a vibrant laminated cotton. Laminated cotton offers the same protection from liquids as materials like vinyl or oil cloth, but won't dry out and crack like those can. Laminated cotton is also easy to keep clean with just a damp cloth. Your valuables stay protected from the elements with our top zipper, and your Colorwash Metro stays soft and flexible. It's the best of both worlds!- The bright blue interior is lightly padded, offering another layer of protection for your phone or tablet without adding additional bulk to the bag itself. - The zipper on the top of the bag is colored to best match the design. But that's not all. It's also designed to allow the bag to be completely enclosed, adding another level of protection for your valuables. The zipper also features a decorative pull ring. Not only does it look great, the pull can be pulled with only one finger which allows better access for people with limited use of their hands.- Each bag features four separate pockets, including a large zippered pocket in the front, offering lots of storage options. An identical zipper with the decorative look accesses this spacious pocket which is lined in the waterproof material too.- The Colorwash Metro comes in two options, one with a blue zippers and one with green. While every Colorwash will feature all the colors of the rainbow, the material for each bag has been hand-selected to complement its zipper. Green zippered bags will have a pattern that typically includes more greens, oranges and yellows. Blue zippered bags will generally feature more blues, reds and purples.

This means you can pick the perfect Colorwash theme for your wardrobe. The back of the bag can also be displayed since it will have a different proportion of the various colors.....so versatile! What better way to express yourself than a Designer CarryAll bag that's uniquely yours since no two Colorwash bags are the exact same print! This bag can also be configured as a shoulder bag. Our Co-Owner, Carol, and our Designer, Sharon, carry the bags frequently. Sharon uses hers on her golf cart as do several friends. A fabulously functional bag indeed!

The Colorwash is truly one of the most unique and stylish bags we've ever offered. In fact, we're so sure you'll love this bag, we're offering a special introductory discount! Enter code ColorwashBL at checkout for the blue version, or ColorwashGR for the green, and get an instant savings of $5 off the price of the bag! (One code per customer, one time use only.)

Between the special savings and amazing style, now is the perfect time to get yourself our newest and most beautiful bag to date! Click the link below to get yours today!

Here at HDS Medallion, we don't just care about making the best Designer CarryAll bags for mobility devices around. We also care about you! That's why we're dedicating a series of blog posts to our Safety First campaign. These posts will cover a variety of topics, and provide helpful tips for safe traveling, device usage, and more.

Gravity is a great equalizer. Humans may come in all shapes and sizes, but everyone is susceptible to the risk of taking a fall. And no matter how healthy you may be, falling can take a serious toll on your body. Concussions, sprains and broken bones, especially hips, are just a few of the potential effects of a fall. Statistics indicate that 1 out of every 4 seniors will fall and break a hip. If you are over 85, that narrows to 1 in 3. So preventing falls should be a priority for everyone. HDS Medallion may specialize in beautiful CarryAll bags for mobility devices, but we also specialize in caring about our customers! That's why we've put together this helpful list of tips to help avoid falling.

- Exercise. Keeping your body moving and in good shape has a direct effect on your mobility and balance. You don't need to be hitting the gym every day to help, either. Simpler exercises like walking or even just regular stretching can help you stay on your feet.

- Wear sensible shoes. If you're concerned about falls, the best way to prevent them is to avoid footwear that makes it difficult to walk. Shoes that are difficult to balance in or have slick soles may look good, but could put you at risk. This is particularly important on days with inclement weather. Always put safety over fashion! One of the tradeshows we attend says, "fashion stops at the ankles".

- Check your medications. Many common medications can have a direct impact on your ability to balance. They can also make your motor skills sluggish, making it harder to stop a fall as it begins. Be sure to consult to warnings on any medication you take.

- Consult your doctor. Your physician is intimately familiar with any medical conditions you may have, and can give you advice to help prevent falls that's specifically tailored to you.

- Use handrails whenever possible, especially when using stairs.

- Remove potential hazards. At home, be sure to remove any throw rugs or other objects that could potentially trip you. Also avoid having any wires in high traffic areas. If you notice potential tripping hazards at work, be sure to have them addressed.

- Keep your area well lit. Always turn on a light when entering a room, even if you're familiar with the layout. A quick flip of a switch can save you from a world of hurt.

- Consider past falls. If you have a history of falling, take some time to consider what happened in those situations. If you continue to have an issue, you may want to consult your doctor.

- Use a mobility device. Many people avoid using mobility devices because they think they don't need them, but if you have a history of falling it, at least a cane or a walker may be the right choice for you. Consult with your doctor to find the best mobility solution for you. Then, once you've gotten your mobility device, visit our website to find the perfect beautiful bag for you!

No one can eliminate the risk of falls from their life entirely. However, following these preventative tips can seriously reduce that risk. All of us at HDS Medallion want you to be as healthy as possible, so be sure to practice these preventative measures!

Have a best practice we didn't include here? Let us know on Facebookor Twitter!

Here at HDS Medallion, we don't just care about making the best Designer CarryAll bags for mobility devices around. We also care about you! That's why we're dedicating a series of blog posts to our Safety First campaign. These posts will cover a variety of topics, and provide helpful tips for safe traveling, device usage, and more.

Mobility devices come in all shapes and sizes. From the simplest walkers to the most elaborate power chairs, there's a wide range of options available depending on a person's need, capability, resources, etc. However, every mobility device shares one thing in common. Without adhering to some best safety practices, any mobility device could expose its user to potential risk. While our favorite recommendation for a mobility device will always be to add one of our beautiful designer CarryAll bags, we've also put together some helpful safety tips to ensure your device is helping you as much as possible.

WHEELCHAIRS

- Find your balance. If you're new using a wheelchair, take some time to become comfortable with your center of gravity. Getting used to a safe range of motion in a controlled environment can help prevent a future accident.

- Avoid bending forward. To avoid the risk of falling, never lean in a way that pitches you forward in the seat. If leaning can't be avoided, be sure to place your device as close to the object you're reaching for as possible to minimize risk. We have to comment that this does not apply to everyone. We've placed HDS Medallion wheelchair bags underneath their seats for some of our customers at their request. That happens to be the best way for them to reach their bags, but clearly that's not applicable to everyone.

- Don't forget your wheel locks. Always lock your wheels anytime you're getting in and out of the device. You should also lock them in any time you need to adjust your positioning, or lean in the seat.

WALKERS

- Choose the style that's best for you. Walkers come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the wrong walker for your needs can expose you to serious risk or discomfort. Be sure to partner with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure you're getting the best device for your needs.

- Take simple precautions to limit your risk. Take small steps, and always keep the walker close to you. Wear nonslip footwear, and try to avoid cluttered areas that your walker could catch on.

- Always keep both hands on your walker. If you need to carry something, use a basket. Or, even better, use a stylish walker bag that's specifically designed to work on your walker!

POWER CHAIRS

- Review the manual. Power chairs are highly specialized devices with lots of components, and you'll want to be very familiar with your specific device to ensure you're getting the best performance. The manual will also include helpful guidelines for preventative maintenance, and contact information should the device need service.

- Keep the power chair charged. It may sound simple, but it's worth mentioning. The last thing you want is to run out of power while you're out, so be sure to get in the habit of charging your device whenever possible.

- Review your local regulations. Many states have special rules in place regarding the use of power chairs, particularly on roads and other areas where other vehicles are traveling. Make sure to review the guidelines in your area, so you can avoid dangerous areas.

QUICK TIPS FOR ALL DEVICES

- If possible, avoid using your mobility device outdoors in inclement weather. If it can't be avoided, maintain a slow pace and travel with another person if possible. As a side note, our waterproof bags can be very helpful in these situations.

- Attach lights or reflectors if you'll be using your mobility device on streets or parking lots at night.

- Avoid using bags not designed to be used on a mobility device. Standard bags can upset its balance, increasing the risk of your device tipping over or catching on a door jam or lift. In need of a fashionable bag that's perfect for your mobility device? We can help with that!

Mobility device design is constantly being improved to provide a safer experience for those who need them. However, there's no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to your safety! Use these helpful tips to help ensure your mobility device always gets you where you need to go.

Have any tips that have helped you that we missed? Let us know onFacebookor Twitter!

Here at HDS Medallion, we don't just care about making the best Designer CarryAll bags for mobility devices around. We also care about you! That's why we're dedicating a series of blog posts to our Safety First campaign. These posts will cover a variety of topics, and provide helpful tips for safe traveling, device usage, and more.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes one of the busiest travel times of the year. Traveling during these times is often a challenge, but it can be significantly more difficult for those with a disability. Many people who require a wheelchair, power chair, or other mobility device may feel discouraged from traveling during the season. At HDS Medallion, we want to help ensure more people are able to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Before you pack up that stylish HDS Medallion CarryAll bag on your mobility device, use these helpful travel tips to help your trip go as smoothly as possible!

- Call ahead. While all travel providers are required by law to accommodate travelers with disabilities, making sure they prepare in advance will help you avoid any last-minute complications. You can also call the TSA's free helpline at 855-787-2227 for any questions regarding checkpoints or security.- Speak with your doctor before your trip. Let them know all of the details so they can best prepare you for what lies ahead. They'll be able to offer specific advice based on your individual needs, and may also be able to help with medication concerns as well. If possible, have your doctor prepare a statement detailing your needs as well, along with their contact info. This document can be extremely valuable should a complication arise during travel.- If flying, avoid routes with connecting flights. Because flight schedules don't always remain as planned, try to book direct flights to your destination. This will help you avoid any complications should a flight be delayed. Although direct flights can be more expensive, the complications you can avoid are likely to be worth the investment.- Keep important documents and medications secure. Be sure to keep your most important items in a secure bag that you'll be allowed to carry on your person at all times. If you're looking for an attractive bag for your wheelchair, walker, power chair or other mobility device that you can also carry with you, we recommend visiting our website before you travel! Remember our innovative strap system allows you to carry these walker, wheelchair, power chair or scooter bags as a shoulder bag, handbag or cross body bag. Just check out the Premier, Demi-Premier and Metro collections.

Traveling during the holidays can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be impossible! If you'll be traveling this year, use these helpful tips to help make your trip go as smoothly as possible. Have some useful best practices you don't see here? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter, so we can share them as well! To all our friends with mobility devices, we wish you all safe and smooth travels this fall and holiday season!

Our Innovative Technology series is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and breakthroughs in mobility device design, medical breakthroughs, and more. Whether you are using a wheelchair, walker, scooter or power chair, keep checking back to the HDS Medallion Blog to keep up on the newest innovations in the world of disability technology!

In the first part of our Hot Trends analysis, we told you all about the ReWalk Personal 6.0, a fascinating exoskeleton system that redefines the concept of a mobility device. However, exoskeletons and unique new devices like the WHILL and TEK-RMD aren't the only companies where innovation is taking place. New technology offers new opportunities to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The second part of our Hot Trends feature focuses on two examples from two companies at the cutting edge of adaptive innovation.

Regardless of individual design, all adaptive technology is designed with a goal of offering more control to a person in need. There are many day-to-day tasks that may be more difficult or even impossible for others, and they aren't just related to mobility. These can be the inability to totally perform daily tasks most of us take for granted. For example, diminished use of arms or hands can limit the ability to feed yourself. Fortunately, adaptive technology exists to counter or supplement such limitations. We personally saw the Obi dining robot work at a recent tradeshow. It's a great example of innovative technology really helping.

The Obi, created by DESiN, is designed to allow those who require assistance with meals to achieve independent control of the process. Don't let the device's streamlined design fool you. The simple exterior belies the impressive technology within, allowing the user to customize the feeding process in thousands of ways, and that's not hyperbole. According to their literaature and website, the device can literally accommodate thousands of delivery options!

The device can also be paired with a number of control devices, depending on the individual's need. Adaptive feeding technology exists to allow a person to eat what they want, when they want, without relying heavily on someone else. With the Obi, there's more freedom than ever before. We watched a demonstration and were impressed with the fine motion movements possible. The inventor/designer is an engineer who wanted to help an older family member gain more dignity and capability to feed themselves.

If the Obi shows us one way a robotic arm can improve a person's life, Kinova Robotics wants to show us more. Kinova is using their industry-leading technology to create advanced robotic arms designed for power chairs. Designed to work on a variety of power chair models, Kinova offers free on-site consultation and ongoing support to ensure that their customers are getting the optimal experience from these remarkable devices.These arms are designed to either assist a person move their own arm, or to act as a surrogate arm altogether, with a number of customization options available.

Kinova's robotic arms offer an exceptionally human experience. These aren't simple remote-controlled devices designed just to open doors or lift simple objects. The advanced design makes these arms capable of detailed tasks, and are sensitive enough to safely handle objects as fragile as eggs according to the company. The arms are lightweight, and designed to attach in a way that does not increase the original profile of the power chair. For someone with limited use of their arms, these robotic arms can offer the ability to manipulate the world around them in a way they otherwise could not. In the world of adaptive technology, that's the most important goal, and Kinova has done just that. Although we did not have the time to watch all the many different ways these arms could help, we were impressed by what we saw. Occasionally we find women/girls who badly want a stylish HDS Medallion bag unable to reach into it due to arm or hand motion limitations. This arm could probably do that easily.

The fascinating devices we've covered in this feature are just a few examples in the ever-expanding adaptive technology industry. As new tech breakthroughs are found, companies like DESiN, Kinova, ReWalk and more will continue their mission to use them to improve the lives of people with disabilities. All of us here at HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices truly believe in that goal as well, and we can't wait to see what amazing new ideas these innovative companies come up with next!

For more details and ordering information for the Obi dining robot, visit MeetObi.com. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Kinova Robotics, visit KinovaRobotics.com.

Our Innovative Technology series is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and breakthroughs in mobility device design, medical breakthroughs, and more. Whether you are using a wheelchair, walker, scooter or power chair, keep checking back to the HDS Medallion Blog to keep up on the newest innovations in the world of disability technology!

While adaptive technology is not a new concept, the industry has seen a recent surge in bold new designs. From re-imaginings of familiar concepts to brand new inventions, the future is now in the world of adaptive technology. While we think of our designer mobility bags for devices (e.g. walkers, scooters, wheelchairs and power chairs) as an example of innovation, we know we're addressing a personal need while some of these innovations really provide amazing breakthroughs. Our travels to national trade shows have introduced us to many new engineering marvels, and we're introducing some of them to you in our latest Innovative Technologies feature.

Naturally, some of the most revolutionary innovations involve mobility devices themselves. A mobility device is an essential part of day-to-day life for many disabled individuals, and impacts their quality of life constantly. As such, there's been a real push to redesign mobility devices to best provide for those who need them. Previous Innovative Technologies features have highlighted two great examples in the WHILL Model A and TEK-RMD, and we invite you to check those out if you're new to our blog. They're certainly not lacking in innovation!

However, there's an entirely new take on the idea of a mobility device that's turning a lot of heads at the trade shows we've attended. The ReWalk Personal 6.0 from ReWalk Robotics is an exoskeletal system that offers significant health benefits to the user. As opposed to most mobility devices that require the user to maintain a sitting position, the ReWalk Personal 6.0 allows the user to stand and walk themselves. Utilizing powerful motors at the hips and joints, the system reads subtle shifts in the user's center of gravity to naturally move and adjust. The system supports its own weight for ease of use, and is custom designed to be the perfect fit for every individual.

The health benefits of allowing a person to stand and walk themselves are significant. Walking and ambulation have a direct link to improved bodily functions, improved posture, and even better quality sleep. However, many people with limited or no use of their legs can't simulate that type of exercise without difficult to use equipment. The ReWalk Personal changes that. By giving people a genuine ability to travel on their own two feet, those health benefits become available in a way they've never been before. The ReWalk Personal also features a significantly smaller profile than the average mobility device, allowing easier navigation of congested areas.

Beyond the health benefits, there's also a level of empowerment that the ReWalk Personal provides to the user that can't be matched by many devices. The ReWalk's functionality is designed with inclusivity in mind. The ReWalk claims that it has the fastest walking speed of any available exoskeleton, and that's not just to get you to your destination faster. That speed is designed to allow the user to match the walking speed of others, allowing them be just another person in the crowd. The device works perfectly both indoors and outside, and the battery is designed for a full day's use without a recharge. The ReWalk is designed to provide a new level of freedom for those who use it.

We can tell you from direct experience that the ReWalk Personal is truly impressive. We've seen it in action at a number of trade shows this year, and their presentations are always compelling to watch. The picture shows our Co-Owner, Carol, with Gene Laureano, a paralyzed veteran, demonstrating the Rewalk in Chicago. He supports all of the company's claims. He did indicate that it takes a while to build up your stamina to stand for longer periods of time if you have been sitting in a chair for years, but that his health has improved dramatically.

The ReWalk Personal is truly a prime example of innovation in adaptive technology. Its unique concepts and user-forward design offers an exciting glimpse at the future of exoskelton technology and mobility device design. For more information, visit their website at ReWalk.com, and check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog is part of a series we here at HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices call The Art of Self Expression. Over time, we’ll cover a range of topics regarding different styles, helpful tips, and anything else we think assist our customers and visitors in their self expression especially related to their mobility devices and accessories like our stylish mobility bags.

Overview of Face Shapes & Hair StylesEvery face shape – oval, round, square, oblong or heart – has haircuts and styles that look best as well as some that just aren’t as flattering. According to “About Style”, “the key to a flattering hairstyle is one that creates the illusion that you have a perfectly oval face. There are cuts that help make a round face appear longer, a long face appear wider, a square jaw appear softer,”and so on.

The first step is determining what your face shape is. Pull your hair back flat and compare the shape of your face to these pictures. Shapes aren’t always perfect, but generally fall in these categories.

Oval: viewed as the best shape that has the most flexibility in terms of hair styles. If your face is oval, you are lucky and you can look good in practically any hair style. One of the most popular now is the chin length bob. But ovals can wear hair short or long. No matter the length of the hair, if you have an oval face highlight your best facial feature such as eyes, cheekbones, lips or chin by layering the hair nearest that area.

Square: like round faces, women with square faces look gorgeous with the long hair that softens the edges of the “square”. Side bangs work well at cutting down the square. Pay attention to the top of the head adding a center part and/or producing lift and volume there all of which automatically lengthens the square.

Round: long hair is gorgeous on round faces because it lengthens the face. If you have a round face, your best cuts will fall a few inches below the chin or longer with long, choppy layers. The shortest layer should never be above your earlobe and ideally should fall at your chin. Too-short layers make a hairstyle appear dated and will add volume to the sides of the face, making it appear even rounder. A very short haircut may help lengthen the face if the bulk of the hair is lifted above the face similar to the picture.

You can also use side-swept bangs to create more angles on a round face and a center part can help lengthen the face as well. Another technique to soften and redirect the eye is to use gentle waves especially if you have natural wave in your hair. You can scrunch wet hair as it dries or use a large curling iron to produce them. The waves should not be dominant at the widest part of the round face.

Oblong: Long faces are basically faces that are quite a bit longer than they are wide. Overall you must avoid any style that lengthens the face’s appearance. Long, straight hair is the worst style. Instead, concentrate on gaining width. That’s your overall goal. Like the round face, the very best way to shorten the face is with waves around the face that add width.

The most suitable haircut on a long face shape is shoulder-length. It's the perfect length (somewhere between chin and shoulders). A bonus is that this cut is one of this year’s trends! If you also have a long forehead, consider bangs of almost any shape (blunt, box or side swept). Pay attention to where you part your hair. The currently trendy center part will make your face appear longer, but a side part makes it appear wider which is what you want.

Heart: this shape can often be improved by shoulder-length bobs, waves toward the bottom of the face or below, but one thing should be in all styles - side-swept bangs. They cut down the width of the top of the heart. If your heart shaped face is long, then pay attention to the styles that look good on an oblong face. Any width needed should be added at the chin level or lower to widen the bottom of the heart.

There are other things to consider when choosing a hair style, like hair texture, your personality, your lifestyle and even your body type. This influences which tips you follow. For example, if you have a square face and you are a little edgy, then spiked hair at the top may be your best bet in raising the top of the square!

Tips for everyone:- Stay away from dated hairstyles. If you haven't changed your style in a decade or more, find a photo you like (and maybe a new stylist) and change your hair. A bad hairstyle can age you by years. We’ve all seen those relatives who wear teased French Twists for 40 years.- Don't fight your natural hair texture. You can straighten curly hair, but it takes time and money. Why not invest in a good haircut for your curly hair instead? If you have super thin hair, long hair is probably impractical in that your hair will be lifeless and flat, no matter how much product you put in it. Instead, cut in layers and keep the length above your shoulders. - Pick a style that suits your personality and lifestyle. If you are quirky or whimsical and proud of it, get a funky haircut and/or color(s). If you're edgy, a pompadour may be a great bet. If you're a busy mom, cut your hair so it's stylish, yet doesn't require 15 minutes a day of styling. But keep your hair trimmed. If you’re an executive, consider not having hair below your collarbone. Lean toward more sophisticated styles and subtle hair colors in the corporate world. - Make sure you can take care of the style you choose. It’s one thing to look good walking out of the salon; another to replicate the look yourself. A good stylist will work with you explaining how to dry your hair or shape it as it dries or when and how to use a curling iron, etc. Some salons, such as Milano’s (discussed in Part 1 of this series), will have a hair drying and styling bootcamp you can attend to learn techniques.

For more details, definitely check out About Style. They have all kinds of articles, blogs and links you can explore to better understand how your face shape and other hair factors can become a major asset in self expression. If you live in the Hartford area, try Milano’s. And remember to accessorize with an HDS Medallion designer mobility bag which complements your style including hair!

This blog is part of a series we here at HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices call The Art of Self Expression. Over time, we’ll cover a range of topics regarding different styles, helpful tips, and anything else we think assist our customers and visitors in their self expression especially related to their mobility devices and accessories like our stylish mobility bags.

When you think and talk about style, most of the time the focus is on attire and accessories (like our fabulous HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices). However, a major component of self expression is your hair. Depending on its cut, color and styling, it can dramatically enhance or detract from your look, and make a positive or negative statement about your personality. Hair is important! If you use a mobility device, your hair style can pull people’s eyes to your face and away from the device.

In researching for this blog, I used two major sources: a local hair stylist, Sergio Gurciullo, co-owner of Milano Salon & Day Spain Bloomfield, CT. In full disclosure, he is my hair stylist and is known as a master hair cutter. With 35+ years in the business, he and his brother, Valerio, have built a lasting base of customers. In the last two years, they and their staff have also donated one day per month to working with women newly diagnosed with cancer. They provide free services to them ranging from pedicures to wigs or as they say, "head to toe". I salute them for this innovative way of giving back!

The other source naturally was the internet, using some of Sergio’s points as a guide. In the second part of this blog post, I'll be using information gathered from “About Style” for a more in-depth discussion of hair styles based on face shapes. But let’s start with insight from Sergio!

Q & A With Sergio

Q: Styles change frequently. What seems to be hot right now in terms of length, cut, color, etc.?A: Medium to long wavy hair is really hot right now. We’re also seeing a lot more blondes especially toward the platinum, pastel, and even gray tones. However, ombré is still very popular. Curly, frizzy hair is out. We are also seeing shorter haircuts starting to become more evident.

Q: How do you keep up with trends and how should our readers?A: Obviously we attend professional seminars, conferences, etc., but we also look at the same sources you can look at – fashion magazines, red carpet events, keywords on the internet such as fashion, latest haircuts, latest hair styles, hair style trends, face shapes, etc. It’s not hard at all.

Q: If someone says “do whatever you think will make me look good”, how do you decide what to do?A: The first and most important step is to look at the face shape – oval, square, round, oblong or long, or heart shaped. Our job is to help diminish the negatives of a given shape and to improve the positive aspects of that shape. I also consider hair texture, thickness, and condition. Then I talk to my client about her lifestyle, her capabilities of taking care of a style, what style she has liked or disliked over time, etc. (See discussion below on shapes and styles).

Q: Does age affect what you should consider after face shape?A: Here’s a general guide: - In your 20’s, you can look good in any haircut of any length that flatters or enhances your face shape- In your 30’s and 40’s, cut is important, but color can be a major factor. What looked good in terms of color in your 20’s, may not look good over the decades. Color has to complement your style and your skin. Skin often changes as we age.- In your 50’s+, you can’t go crazy. A bad hairstylist will let you keep the same style for decades. That’s not necessarily doing you any favors. And many women have to deal with the choices around graying as they age. There are lots more options now and gray is in, but it varies by individual as to if and when they want to display their gray. Author’s Comment: Wow, I’m finally in with my gray/white hair!

Q: When you see a girl or a woman, what do you look for relative to their hair?A: First, is their hair healthy? Does it shine or is it dry and frizzy? Then, is the haircut becoming and in the right shape? Is it trimmed? Is the color enhancing their face and skin or detracting? But that all happens at a glance. Healthy hair with the right haircut and coloring is automatically more attractive.

Q: Some quick questions - should women wash their hair daily? Use curling or flattening irons? What about drugstore coloring kits?A: Hair should be washed with a good shampoo when it is dirty. Daily isn’t usually necessary. A little conditioner can help with the shine. Relative to color, if money is an issue, I would rather see someone save up a long time and have a good colorist do their hair then see them use the boxes in the drugstore. They tend to really dry out hair and often result in flat or brassy colors. Used right, curling irons and flattening irons should not harm your hair, but don’t use them on wet or damp hair.

Q: Any other tips to pass along that you get questions on?A: People with large noses often ask me is there any style that helps de-emphasize it. There are few tricks to consider. First, is a “don’t” as in "don’t wear box bangs". These bangs end up emphasizing noses. Also, work at lifting up or emphasizing your cheekbones and eyes through hair cut (e.g. layering higher up) or make-up techniques.

Another one is whether or not any teenager or woman in their 20’s should not have long hair as they all seem to do. Well, this is the time in life to have fun and experiment, but if you are short and want to appear taller, short hair does that better than medium or long hair. Also, pay attention when you are in a hair salon. Does everybody end up looking the same with the same hair style regardless of age or face shape? Does it look like the individual’s features are taken into account? If not, try another salon and stylist!

Lots of great insight from a true master of his craft! Check back with us next week for part two of this discussion, where's we'll dive further into face shapes and what styles best compliment them!

We’ve recently returned from the Little People of America’s (LPA) National Conference in Boston, exhibiting and selling our designer CarryAll bags to little people in scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs or to use as a shoulder or crossbody bag. With the innovative detachable, adjustable strap system, our bags provide the opportunity to “fit” the bag to the person or device. Our Demi-Premier bags work especially well for little people.

This annual conference lasts about a week and is always loaded with events ranging from social to educational. With over 2200 attendees, Boston was no different. People had the opportunity to sightsee (Duckboat Tours anyone?), to attend one of three Red Sox games, go to nightly dances, watch or participate in a fashion show or a talent show, play sports, etc. But serious business was also conducted with a large number of workshops, many of which focused on medical issues related to various forms of dwarfism.

Here are some interesting facts about the LPA and dwarfism:- There are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasia- The typical height range for a dwarf is 2’8” to 4’5”- It is estimated that 30,000 people in the United States have a type of dwarfism- In July of 2009 the term “midget” was declared inappropriate and offensive- The LPA has 6,500 members across the U.S.

Three days of the event also include an Expo, where various vendors and non-profits can sell products. This is our third year exhibiting at the Expo, and it felt like home. We can’t begin to express how rewarding it was to see so many of our bags from previous years being used on scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs and just carried, especially as a cross body bag. It was special that so many people came by to show us their bags and many times to buy an additional one. Here are a few of these special moments in the show.

At the previous show we sold a bag to a blind young woman who wanted a pretty bag even if she couldn’t see it. She wears her Demi Paisley Blue purse every day as a crossbody bag. She came by the table to buy one for another blind little person in Texas who wanted to look stylish too. How special is that? Heartwarming to say the least!

Last year we met two lovely vivacious women with scooters who both bought bags. They had so much fun together and with us. When one of them, Angie, came by this year, we immediately asked about Trish, and were devastated to find out she had passed away at age 39 from pneumonia. Trish’s mother made sure Angie got Trish’s scooter bag. In addition to the 3 bags she now has, Angie fell in love with the Jet Black Polka Dot – Turquoise and purchased it as well.

One family had purchased a bag for their daughter each year we’ve been at the Expo, and this year was no different. She now has Mulberry Criss Cross to go with her Princess Damask and Zebra Daisy Dot Pink. But the son was never able to get a bag until this year. He was excited to get a Universal Black bag for his scooter. He was particularly excited to pick out an additional band of a different pattern that can change the look of the bag. He chose the primary colored strips with dots – very cheerful!

One evening, two kids and their respective parents came to see Abby, our mascot. After an extensive conversation about why Abby was in a wheelchair and did the chair really work, etc., Abby went to play with the two kids. They all had a ball! There is a large age range of our LPA customers with a diverse spectrum of issues. But they all spoke about how they had been coming to the conferences for years. As one of our customers explained, “In this week, I am the norm. I don’t get stares or questions or jokes. The average sized person is the one who is not standard here.” The conference is also the place where people establish friendships that last for years. After every major event, people just gathered in the foyer of the ballroom, or the lobby or the bar and got caught up on lives, etc. The noise level was a solid wave of sound.

We had our first male winner in our daily drawing. Although not officially launched, we had our Universal Black Bags and Stylish Bands available. So when Glenn won the drawing, he came to pick up his walker bag and was invited to select an additional band for his new Universal bag. He was shocked to see “we had the McDougal Plaid” which was his heritage! To be honest, we just liked the design and were clueless that it was a clan’s tartan. He was thrilled to have it on his bag. The other bag winners were a Mom with an older child in a stroller and a woman who bought a bag last year and was using it at the conference. She now has a new waterproof bag!

We were blessed to have a number of people spend time at our table just hanging out. One evening, I noticed someone walk by that looked like Amy Roloff, the mother on “Little People, Big World” TV Series. I turned to one of my visitors and commented, “That looked just like Amy Roloff.” “It is,” she said. I’ve known Amy since we were teenagers coming to these conferences.”

Shortly thereafter, the woman brought Amy to meet me. We had a delightful conversation and she was extremely personable, thoughtful and helpful. She seemed impressed with our products and that they worked so well for Little People to use. At her suggestion, I took a picture of her with one of the bags she liked. Thanks Amy for modeling our Demi – Espresso Combo.

The next afternoon, another celebrity stopped by to look at our bags. Dr. Jen Arnold appears on “The Little Couple” series on TLC. She is a pediatric doctor and in the hospital uses a Permobil Power Chair to get around. She loves handbags (which her husband, Bill Klein, jokingly verified) and asked us if we could make a larger, waterproof bag for her to use on her mobility device. Not surprisingly we said “yes”. She was fun, gracious and even expressed an interest in designing bags. She was drawn to our waterproof, laminated cotton bags featuring black with white polka-dots – hence, the picture.

I was particularly struck by her retweeting a comment at the conference - "It's an incredible feeling to walk into a room and, for the first time in your life, have no one notice you" from@markpovinelli. Not surprisingly she was noticed as a celebrity; not as a little person. But this surely echoes why our customers love this conference and come annually!

Both Amy and Jen were so willing to take pictures with people, to interact, to share opinions, have conversations, etc. We were so very impressed with them both. We saw Jen and Bill’s kids several times – playing, petting a service dog, in the fashion show, etc. Just kids being kids! We then saw Zach Roloff later that night and he was having a great time with buddies from past conferences. Nice to see celebrities as just people enjoying the conference, their friends, and doing their part by conducting workshops, speaking and participating in events.

Thanks everyone for making HDS Medallion feel like part of the family, and we can’t wait to see you all next year!

We're all able to comprehend some of the core challenges of living with a disability, even if we don't have one ourselves. Broad concepts like being unable to access certain facilities or arrange transportation are widely understood. However, there are many smaller, day-to-day challenges those of us without disabilities simply don't consider. For example, our own company was founded when our co-founder Carol realized that there simply weren't any options for stylish, designer CarryAll bags that truly worked on walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Our founders saw a need to provide a product that no one else offered, and HDS Medallion was born. This concept isn't limited to products, however. There are also many popular hobbies that may not be inclusive to those with disabilities. Video gaming is a prime example, and that's where the AbleGamers Foundation comes into play.

The AbleGamers Foundation firmly believes that video gaming can enrich your life, and there's plenty of research to support that concept. We've come a long way from the old adage that "video games will rot your brain." While all things must be used in moderation, studies have proven that video games improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and much more. With the dramatic increase of online gaming over the past decade, games also provide a social network to many people who may otherwise feel left out. With all of these benefits to be had, shouldn't people with disabilities have the same access to the fun? AbleGamers believes they do, and they're dedicated to making sure that the industry is as inclusive as possible.

The AbleGamers Foundation uses a three-step approach to their mission. The first step is outreach. While there are countless gaming communities, AbleGamers maintains the largest portal for gamers with disabilities on the planet. Bringing together disabled gamers from all over the world isn't just about providing a great opportunity to make friends. It also sends a loud and clear message to game developers that this community is massive, it's active, and deserves to be considered during the development of new titles.

The second step to their approach follows the same lines. It's not enough to the AbleGamers Foundation to simply ensure game developers are aware of this community. AbleGamers also provides consultation to any game developer, regardless of size. This consultation service is free of charge, and is designed to help ensure that every game is as accessible as possible. AbleGamers has dubbed this approach "Includification," and have even launched a separate site detailing practical game accessibility guidelines. If you or someone you know has any interest in being part of the video game industry, Includification.com has a wealth of information on how to best make sure your game can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

The third and final step in their approach involves providing grants to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. Depending on the disability, adaptive gaming equipment may be required to play. That equipment can be very expensive, as much if it is custom-made for the individual who needs it. These grants are just another way that AbleGamers help provide access to people who may otherwise never have the opportunity to join the fun.

While we've touched on the general benefits of video gaming, there's one in particular that truly resonates with the disabled community. As a society, we love entertainment because it provides a distraction from our day-to-day lives. While this is true of all forms of entertainment, video gaming is by far the prime example. A good movie or television program can take your mind off of the real world, but gaming allows you a level of interaction those simply can't match. That level of interaction is fun for anyone, but for someone with a disability it can mean much more. "I believe that there is nothing more powerful for people with disabilities than the freedom that only video games can provide," AbleGamers founder Mark Barlet explains. "It is an art form that allows us to all run, jump, and be whatever we want to be." For a person who may feel like they have very little freedom in their life due to a disability, this outlet goes above and beyond simple entertainment.

Advocates for video games will tell you that video games aren't just for kids, they're for everyone. They're right, but no organization is more dedicated to making sure that everyone truly means everyone than the AbleGamers Foundation. We tip our hats (and our controllers!) to this fantastic organization for helping to bring fun and entertainment to everyone.

Our Innovative Technology series is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and breakthroughs in mobility device design, medical breakthroughs, and more. Whether you are using a wheelchair, walker, scooter or power chair, keep checking back to the HDS Medallion Blog to keep up on the newest innovations in the world of disability technology!

As our Innovative Technology series goes on, you'll be introduced to many new concepts in mobility device design. We've already introduced you to the outstanding Model A from WHILL, and have more on the way. However, despite all of the extraordinary innovations you'll see, all of those designs still assume their user will remain in a sitting position. But what if there were a mobility device that actually allowed its user to safely stand? And what if that mobility device could even be enhanced by an HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll bag?

That device exists, and "innovative" feels like an understatement! Meet the TEK Robotic Mobilization Device (RMD), from Matia Robotics. Matia Robotics is a team of inventors and engineers united by a single goal. Their mission is to develop new robotic mobility devices designed to help those with walking disabilities which allow them greater freedom in environments not suited for standard mobility devices. The TEK RMD is their first offering on the market, and after experiencing the device first-hand, we can tell you the Matia Robotics is well on their way to achieving their mission!

We mentioned before that there have been some incredible innovations in mobility device design, but even the most unique and modern designs still share a consistent similarity. They all have to be front-mounted, which can be an incredible challenge for a person who is paraplegic. To transfer themselves from a sitting position to their standard mobility device, they're required to essentially throw their bodies using only their arms. Needless to say, such an action will be difficult for most, and downright impossible for many to achieve without the help of another person.

The TEK RMD completely circumvents this issue. This device is designed to be boarded from the back, allowing the user to safely a securely mount the device from a sitting position. By utilizing a unique suspension system to support the user, standing requires nothing more than a gentle pull. This means anyone can use the device independently, regardless of their upper-body strength. There's even a remote control that allows the user to bring the device close to them when they need it with minimal effort. By using a TEK RMD, those who needed assistance to mount their mobility device before would now be able to stand and move around whenever they wanted. Talk about bringing freedom back to a person's life!

However, allowing a person to easily board the device with no assistance isn't the only way the TEK RMD brings a new level of freedom to those who use it. Regardless of how modern the design, almost all wheelchairs tend to be inherently large. They need to accommodate a person in a sitting position, which means their surroundings need to accommodate a device of that size. The TEK RMD isn't bound to these restrictions. By allowing their user to be in a standing position, the usual bulk of a mobility device is no longer required. With a base that's only 29.5" long and an astounding 16.5" wide, this device takes only 1/3 of the space of a standard wheelchair. This offers an unprecedented amount of maneuverability. Narrow doorways? Not a problem. Navigating around tight furniture or groups of people? Easily done. Again, the TEK RMD opens up new opportunities and freedoms for those who may have felt limited by their standard mobility device.

This all sounds too good to be true, right? We had an opportunity to experience the device ourselves at the New York Metro Abilities Expo this past weekend, and can tell you the TEK RMD is everything is promises to be! We found it to be easy to mount, and incredibly maneuverable. We were also thrilled to see that our HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll bags worked great on this device! Check out this photo of Kat, daughter of our co-owners, showing off just how easy-to-use the device is and how great one of our bags looks!

Matia Robotics came together to open up new opportunities for those with walking disabilities. Judging from our experience with the TEK RMD, we can say they're absolutely achieving their goal. The TEK RMD is easy to use and incredibly innovative. Best of all, it offers a level of freedom and independence that most mobility devices simply can't match. The user is now close to counters, appliances, tables, etc. to perform normal daily functions like cooking, cleaning, setting the table, mingling at a party, etc. The TEK RMD is an amazing first offering from Matia Robotics, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next! For more information on Matia Robotics and the TEK RMD, visit their website at www.MatiaRobotics.com.

It’s our birthday, and it’s a big one! Today marks the fifth anniversary of HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices, the destination for practical yet stylish walker bags, wheelchair purses, power chair accessories, scooter bags, etc. We can’t believe it’s already here. We thought it would be fun to commemorate the occasion by sharing some of the history of our company with you. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a designer CarryAll bag company from the ground up, this blog post is for you!

It Began With Seniors & Walker Bags

It’s been an interesting journey since the day we launched the company online. What many folks don’t know is that we actually started the company two years before the online store opened its doors to the public. Our owners may be two former executives and owners of a successful management consulting company, but that doesn’t mean launching a mobility bag company like this is easy! Those two years were packed with challenges, including:

- designing the initial 10 styles of our walker bags with our creative designer, Sharon- sourcing the fabrics and embellishments - conducting a long search for an American manufacturer - researching and building a new website- establishing a social media presence- trademarking our name and logo - setting up the company infrastructure (accounting, inventory management, etc.) - finding an order fulfillment company- researching marketing approaches, networking, etc.

In other words, a whole lot of work! However, the effort was absolutely worth it. In the early days, the dream was to establish a business that would provide women with a product there was a definite need for. We motivated ourselves with the constant reminder that the hard work would be worth it when it got our designer CarryAll bags into the lives of senior women who truly wanted a stylish option for their mobility devices, especially walkers.

Now that our anniversary is here, we took some time to compare our company at launch to where we are today. The changes are pretty astounding, even to us!

- We originally aimed for only one demographic who would benefit from our designer CarryAll bags for mobility devices - seniors with walkers or transport wheelchairs. Five years later, we've heard rave reviews of our extended line of mobility bags from women and girls of all ages using all different kinds of mobility devices, as well as their families and loved ones. We've also had great success with little people, and have a new product designed for men and military veterans in the works!- At launch, we only had our Classic collection. Five years later, the Classics have been joined by the Premier, Demi-Premier, and Metro Collections, with our top secret Universal line debuting this year! Take a look at all of our collections.- Our initial lineup was primarily designed to work on walkers with a velcro attachment system. Five years later, we've added our innovative, versatile design with adjustable, detachable straps and D-ring system that works on over 95% of all mobility devices!- We began with about 10 different patterns for our bags, all made of cotton. Five years later, we've more than 35 patterns with bags in twill, denim, and even modern waterproof material! - In the beginning, we were selling only through our website and a few print ads in senior-friendly publications. Five years later, we have a brand new website. We're on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest, and our bags are also available on Amazon and eBay. We've partnered with fantastic organizations like the Reeve Foundation, Push Living, Little People of America, Quest and more, and regularly attend trade shows like the Abilities Expos around the country!

The original HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices site compared to just a portion of our new design. A lot has changed in five years!

It's amazing what five years can bring, but don't think for a moment that we're stopping here! We've got amazing new products and collections in the works for 2016 and beyond. We'll be at brand new venues this year, like the Push Nation Festival in Tampa (next weekend) and the Abilities Expo in Washington, DC. We're thrilled with everything we've accomplished in these five years and we can't wait to show you what's next!

That brings us to the most important part of this blog post: our thanks to you. These past five years, we've been able to meet hundreds of people who have touched our hearts and affirmed our vision. From friends new and old at trade shows, to the feedback we get from our online customers, it's all about you. We thank all of our customers, visitors, vendors, friends and family who've supported us over these five years. Everything we do, we do for you, and we can't wait for you to see what we have in store in the many, many years to come!

This blog is the first in a series we here at HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices call The Art of Self Expression. Over the year, we’ll cover a range of topics regarding different styles, helpful tips, and anything else we think assist our customers and visitors in their self expression especially related to their mobility devices and accessories like our stylish mobility bags. So what is Self Expression?

Defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “the expression of one's own personality; an assertion of one's individual traits,” self expression can be illustrated through art, writing, career choice, passions and hobbies, and perhaps most of all, through one’s overall style. Clothing, accessories, make-up, hair style and any other aspect of a person’s appearance can be a strong manifestation of individuality, personal taste and unique style.

When one is constantly using a mobility such as a wheelchair, walker, power chair, medical scooter, etc., there’s an additional challenge to incorporate its appearance into your self expression and personal style.

When we started HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags for Mobility Devices five years ago, only a few walkers and scooters were available in colors other than black and gray. Now, you can find red, green, lavender, pink, blue, yellow and even an occasional pattern. When we began, wheelchairs and power chairs were black and chrome. It took nearly three years before we began to regularly see colors, prints and interesting new chair styles becoming commonplace. And, no matter what the device itself looked like, almost every bag on these devices seemed to be black canvas, unisex, and always ugly. For those needing adaptive clothing, their choices were sparse and not particularly stylish.

Thankfully this drab world has changed. Now, as Vogue Editor Anna Wintour put so well, you can “create your own style…..let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”

We have now seen hundreds of women and girls at the events where we exhibit with very distinctive styles, ranging from Bohemian to Classic and back. Visual Therapy has a fun quiz to identify your style according to some luxury stylists who claim everyone fits in five style types. We included their descriptions here, along with which HDS Medallion bags would fit best. What style are you?

TheChic StyleType is known for wearing monochromatic ensembles and pieces with sleek clean lines—she exudes power and has an innate sense of fashion. As the Chic Style Type, she often chooses clothing in black, white, and neutrals, saving color for a bold statement accessory such as a bag or red lipstick. Relative to HDS Medallion’s fabulously functional walker bags and wheelchair bags, she might select the Zebra Party Animalor the Premier Black Damask as her stylish mobility bag.

Whimsical StyleTypes adore color and have a natural ability to mix and match colors, patterns, and textures. A Whimsical type is rarely seen in black, instead she favors bright blues, pinks, and greens, with the occasional neutral such as a taupe or brown. In the Whimsical style type’s closet, you’ll find loads of playful prints and accessories. One of our favorite “whimsical type” customers selected the Demi-Premier Mulberry Criss Cross bag.

The Bohemian StyleType is the most casual and carefree of the style types. They mostly stick with an earth tone palette—steering towards browns, camel tones, denim, and pieces in rich burgundy and hunter green. Never one to shy away from a print, Bohemian style types love a classic paisley or animal print—especially in the form of a blouse or a flowing dress. Needless to say, our Leopard and Reptile Metro bags would be a hit, as well as any of the several paisley bags we offer.

The Classic StyleType is safe, clean and traditional. She knows what works for her and she tends to stick with it because it is timeless and flattering with a smart flair. In the Classic Style Type’s wardrobe, you’ll mostly find neutral colors with the occasional pop of red or green. A white blouse or a crisp white shirt is a staple. Accessories are simple—a strand of pearls, diamond studs, but nothing ever over the top. The subtle elegance of our Black Suede Scrollbag or one of the Imperial Blue bags suit this style perfectly.

Avant-garde StyleType is an ultramodern style that uses fashion as an extension of her creativity. It often seeks to make a dramatic statement. Typically, the foundation for this wardrobe is black, but the avant-garde woman is not one to shy away from whites, bright colors, or even metallics. Arguably the most adventurous of the style types, she doesn’t skimp on accessories either. Most of her handbags and jewelry are statement-making and fashion-forward, but she has a keen awareness of how to create a balanced look. Our Jeweled Ribbons, or the Royal Blue Lumina Bags would each provide the perfect statement bag for this type.

Take the quizhere, and then take a look at our LookBook, The Art of Self Expression, to get some ideas of how your HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bag could be your go-to fashion accessory. Plus they’re fabulously functional on mobility devices. Not sure which bag will fit on your device? Check out our tips on which HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bag will work best on your device.

TIP OF THE DAY: If you could only wear one item of make-up or you don’t like to wear make-up at all, at least wear lipstick. Doesn’t matter which color you choose, it will brighten your face and enhance your smile.

Our last blog post was all about the Miracle League, from its mission to its history and the essential information about the organization. This article is all about the experience some of our own family had with their local Miracle League, and how it felt to be a part of it.

To ensure the players have the best experience possible, local Miracle Leagues rely on volunteers. The Miracle League of the Langham Creek YMCA in Houston is no different. To help find new participants and drive awareness, they reach out to local schools, training centers and local churches, which is where our family’s involvement begins. Our designer Sharon’s (our co-founder Carol's sister) family heard about the Miracle League through their church, and immediately wanted to get involved.

Miracle League volunteers become "buddies" for the players. Buddies are paired with a player, and help them to run the bases, to bat or to field the ball. Players may even have more than one buddy, depending on their needs. Buddies are essential to the Miracle League's success, and their training reflects it. Each volunteer learns how to best work with disabled kids to ensure they're the best buddies they can be. This 1 ½ hour course is adapted from Special Olympics’ renowned training.

Even with this training, people can be uneasy about being a buddy. However, any nervousness Sharon's family had was instantly overcome by their uplifting experience. Being a buddy meant they all had a front-row seat to the pure joy of the players. Every child who plays is filled with excitement, with smiles stretched from ear-to-ear. As their buddy, you're right there helping that happen. What could be more satisfying or rewarding than that?

Sharon's family were also struck by how much the Miracle League meant to the parents of the players. The parents are naturally involved with the buddies, to make sure they know the child's specific needs. However, once the game begins, the parent's get a rare opportunity to relax. For once, they can simply sit back and watch their children have fun playing a game. The buddies aren't only providing the players with an amazing day; they're doing the same for the parents.

The connection between the Langham Creek Miracle League and HDS Medallion didn’t stop with our family volunteering, either. Imagine the pleasant surprise when they noticed one of the players sporting an HDS Medallion CarryAll bag on her walker! They told her their Grandma was the designer, and their Great-Grandma was the "HDS" in HDS Medallion. She told them she loved her walker bag. When we heard about her Zebra Daisy Dot Pink Walker Bag, we remembered her right away. She and her family had purchased the bag at the Houston Abilities Expo. She lit up the event so much we had to take a picture! She's the smiling face you see pictured above.

Over 150 kids participated in the Fall season of the Miracle League at Langham Creek YMCA, and they're hoping to have even more in the spring. That gives you an idea of just how many lives you can impact by volunteering! Sharon's family is planning to come back for the Spring season, and you can too. To find out more, contact Kendra Williams, Director of Adaptive Programs at the Langham Creek YMCA. You can reach her by phone at (281) 859-6143, or by email at kendra.williams@ymcahouston.org.

Want to get involved in the Miracle League as a volunteer or to have your disabled child participate, but don't live in the Houston area? To find a Miracle League near you, contact Stephanie Davis at the Miracle League corporate office at (770) 760-1933 or at stephanie@miracleleague.com. Located in Connecticut, home of HDS Medallion? You'll be pleased to know there's a league located in West Hartford. You can find out more information by visiting MiracleLeagueCT.org.

We hope you enjoyed these two features on the Miracle League as much as we enjoyed writing them. This is truly a great organization, and we're thrilled to help raise awareness for all that they do. We encourage everyone to get involved. Our family loved it, and so will yours!

Is there anything better than going to a baseball game? Even if you're not a sports fan, there's something for everyone to love. From the action on the field to the hot dogs in the stands, there's just something magical about America's pastime. But what if all you wanted was to be a part of it, but a disability left you or your child feeling like you couldn't? In 1998, one youth baseball program decided to change all that, and the Miracle League was born.

The Miracle League got its start when youth baseball coach Eddie Bagwell in Atlanta, GA invited a child in a wheelchair to join his team. This idea brought other disabled children who were looking to play, and suddenly there were enough to form a league of their own. New and more inclusive rules were designed, and the league continued to expand.

It became clear that a playing field more conducive to disabled players was required. Community volunteers and corporations came together to design a field that would best suit the needs of their players. A custom-designed field was created, with a rubberized surface that worked great with mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers, while also providing a cushion to prevent injury. The playing field was made perfectly level, to help players with visual impairments. Dugouts were built to be wheelchair-accessible. Easily accessible facilities were added, such as restrooms, concession areas, and even a picnic area in some locations.

What began as an effort to help local kids in need suddenly became a very big deal. Within just a few years, the number of players had nearly tripled. Local and national media attention began to pour in. Major humanitarian organizations began to recognize and award the Miracle League for their efforts. Celebrities began to lend their support, and the league was even visited by former President George W. Bush in 2014.

All of this attention served one incredible purpose: the Miracle League grew rapidly. What began as one league's attempt to embrace every local child has grown into an international program. Currently, there are 275 Miracle League organizations around the world. They're located across the United States and Puerto Rico, in Canada, and even as far as Australia! What began as a league of 120 kids has now become a program that improves the lives of over 200,000 children and young adults. If that's not a huge success, we don't know what is!

HDS Medallion has a special connection to the Miracle League. A branch of our family had the privilege of joining the Langham Creek YMCA Miracle League in the Houston area as "buddies" last Fall. Buddies are volunteers who partner with the kids playing or play other roles such as catcher. They had such a fantastic experience that we're going to dedicate our next blog post to their experience. Be sure to bookmark the HDS Medallion Designer Mobility Bags blog. You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to make sure you don't miss it! It'll be filled with their experiences, and more information about the program at the Langham Creek YMCA. We also have a fun shot of one Miracle Leaguer who played ball with an HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll bag on her walker!

The Miracle League program has expanded beyond just providing a chance for special kids to play baseball or soccer. While not every child may be interested in these sports, there's one thing every child loves: the playground. The Miracle League has partnered with a company called Landscape Structures to provide custom-designed and inclusive playgrounds. These amazing courses offer all the fun and excitement of a standard playground, with slides, swings, and more. Each activity is designed so that every child can enjoy them, regardless of any disability they may have. They look amazing; check out some examples below!

To find out more about the Miracle League, click here to visit their website. Their introduction video does an amazing job of showing what it means to these kids to play ball. You may want to have tissues nearby! Click here for the contact information to find a league near you, or how to start one in your own area. And don't forget to check back on our blog for a description of just how special being a part of the Miracle League really is!

Chances are, you've heard the old adage that "you should take care of your children, because some day they're going to have to take care of you." While this is often stated with a funny connotation, many of us will find ourselves faced with a parent or loved one who needs more support in their senior years. As health concerns or advancing age makes everyday tasks more difficult, additional care, mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers or power chairs or even relocation may be required. But how does one approach such a delicate subject?

When you have this conversation, one of the keystones to creating a successful dialog is sincere empathy. Let's face it; there's a reason activities like creating a will or shopping for life insurance aren't considered fun and relaxing pastimes. We all like to think that aging is something that happens to everyone else, but of course, that's not the case.

When it comes time to have this conversation with your loved one, first put yourself in their shoes. Realize that someday this is a conversation someone else may feel they need to have with you. How would you want them to go about it? Spending some time looking at this situation from that perspective is a good way to avoid saying the wrong thing, and causing hurt feelings when you didn't intend to.

Another mistake is putting off the conversation until it can no longer be avoided. One of the hardest realities of life is that there's no way to predict when a person's health will take a sudden turn for the worse. Having this conversation can be difficult enough as it is. Trying to have it while a person is also coming to terms with a newfound health issue can make them even more resistant. It will make the conversation seem reactionary as opposed to preemptive, and you want to be able to avoid the argument that "you're only talking about this because of what happened."

Also, it's important to remember that a health crisis can have serious effects on a person's cognitive abilities. The real purpose of discussing this with someone is to have a plan in place. But should a crisis leave your parent or loved one unable to fully understand their situation, having a plan in place means those involved know what needs to be done.

While empathy and proper planning are important, perhaps the most important part is making sure the person you're discussing this with never feels like they're in this alone. It's very easy for someone coming to terms with new limitations to feel isolated, so put an emphasis on keeping things as inclusive as possible. If their driving has become a concern, don't simply tell them they can't anymore. Set up times they can do their errands with you, or help them find delivery services that suit their needs.

If in-house care or an assisted living facility is required, let them choose the caretaker or the facility. If they're having trouble adapting to a new mobility device like a walker, wheelchair or power chair, identify accessible places nearby. Help them personalize the device as well. It may seem like a little thing to you, but adding something as simple as an HDS Medallion CarryAll bag can go a long way towards making a new mobility device feel less medicinal or clinical. We’ve seen a real lift in spirits when she still feels pretty or stylish. If you're not sure what bags work best on her new device, click here for an easy-to-use guide.

In a perfect world, aging would bring us nothing more than wisdom, but we all know that's not the case. As we reach our later years, we'll all be faced with some tough choices, many of which seem to have no good options. That's why it's so important that we all take the time to make sure we talk to those we care about, and to plan for whatever lies ahead.

We were so lucky that at 85, our Mom Hazel (the HDS in HDS Medallion) made the decision to move into independent living. She picked out a lovely place where she lived for over 14 years. She even volunteered to quit driving. Wisely, she knew that if she made the decisions, she would control the outcomes.

In contrast, when she fell at 99 ½ and broke her hip, she was unable to be involved in choosing an assisted living facility, and she was ticked off for nearly 6 months. We finally took her to see every facility in the area to see if she wanted to move. She stayed put, but then felt like it was more her choice. She started to accept the situation. She even pushed for a “pretty purse that works on my walker,” and the first HDS Medallion walker bag was born.

These conversations are difficult no matter who starts them. Patient and compassionate discussions can help avoid more serious complications down the road and make the absolute best of the years ahead.

Click here to learn More About The Inspiration For HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags For Mobility Devices

Here at HDS Medallion, we like to use our blog as a way of highlighting information that may affect our customers or those who care for them. We aren't just about creating stylish CarryAll bags for mobility devices. We love to report on new technological innovations, or new breakthroughs in medical treatments. However, this week we'd like to take some time to discuss an issue that isn't new, but that many people simply aren't aware of: senior hunger.

Of course, everyone is aware that many people go hungry, even in this day and age. However, hunger isn't an issue that's only relegated to less-fortunate people in countries overseas. There are millions of people right here who don't have enough to eat, and many of them are senior citizens. In fact, the numbers are staggering. Did you know that over 18% of the senior citizens in this country either have to skip meals, or can only afford low-quality, less nutritious food? To put that in perspective, that means if you're in a room with five seniors, chances are good that one of them is struggling to eat. That's a sobering thought, to say the least.

There are a number of factors involved in this issue. Naturally, the cost of healthy food plays a role. Seniors often live on a fixed income, limiting the amount of money available for food. As seniors tend to require more frequent medical attention and more costly prescriptions, much of that limited income is often predominantly allocated to health costs. However, it may surprise you to find that cost isn't the main cause of this problem: it’s location. Many seniors have health concerns that require them to travel as little as possible. Others need travel assistance due to their use of mobility devices like walkers, wheelchairs and power chairs. This means many seniors may not have a variety of options for where they can purchase their food, or have many opportunities to shop at all. Because of this, many will simply settle for whatever food they can access, regardless of nutritional value. Others find themselves skipping meals entirely, either to stretch their budget, or to make it until the next time they can get access to a grocery store.

Fortunately, there are a number of organizations who have made it their mission to combat this serious issue. Groups like Meals on Wheels and Feeding America provide nutritious food to seniors in need, often bringing it right to their door. The AARP holds an annual "virtual food drive," which you can donate to here. There are also hundreds of local organizations helping to fight senior hunger across the US. However, with over 10,000 Baby Boomers reaching age 65 each day, and the senior population on pace to make up a fourth of our population by 2050, this issue only stands to become more severe.

All of us here at HDS Medallion believe that access to affordable and nutritious food is something everyone deserves, regardless of age or income. If you'd like to donate either your time or money to help fight senior hunger, click on the links above, or reach out to a local organization in your area. As much as we believe every senior citizen deserves a fabulously functional CarryAll bag, we believe they deserve good food far more, and we thank everyone helping to provide it!

Sometimes, something becomes so commonplace that everyone begins to take it for granted. Shopping carts are a great example of this phenomenon. They've existed for years without much change, because if something isn't broken, why fix it, right? But what if a few simple changes to the classic design would mean a world of difference to thousands of people? Drew Ann Long asked that question, and it lead to the creation of Caroline's Cart, a redesigned shopping cart designed for those with special needs.

Caroline's Cart got its name from Caroline Long, one of Drew Ann's children, who was diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Drew Ann soon realized that she had no idea what she was going to do when she went shopping with Caroline once she'd outgrown the seat built into regular shopping carts. Using a shopping cart while also pushing a wheelchair is a herculean task, but no better option seemed to exist. That realization lead to a sketch on a napkin, which lead to a patent, which lead to Caroline's Cart changing the shopping experience for thousands of parents and caretakers around the nation.

If popularity is any indicator, the idea behind Caroline's Cart is a hit. The redesigned cart can already be found in a number of well-known retailers, including ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Wegmans and Big Y. However, this week it was announced that the retail giant Target would be introducing Caroline's Cart nationwide, with nearly every store receiving at least one of the redesigned shopping carts. With nearly 1,800 locations across the US, this marks the first major nationwide rollout of Caroline's Cart.

Caroline's Cart is optimistic that Target's support will be a major boost in momentum when it comes to convincing other retailers to provide the carts at their locations. The carts naturally require an investment, and in today's economy it can be difficult to convince retailers to spend money on something that they can't turn a profit from in stores. However, providing an improved shopping experience goes a long way towards increasing return customers and positive publicity. Let's hope this creates a domino effect to other retailers.

What really hit home for us at HDS Medallion is how both our company and theirs came from similar roots. When her mother found it impossible to find a CarryAll bag for her walker that was both functional and fashionable, our co-founder Carol was inspired to solve that problem. HDS Medallion was started to provide stylish walker bags, wheelchair bags, and power chair accessories for women who use mobility devices.

The story behind Caroline's Cart is no different. Both Caroline's Cart and HDS Medallion exist because one person's personal experience showed them where a larger need wasn't being fulfilled, and motivated them to make sure they could change that for as many people as possible. That's why all of us here at HDS Medallion congratulate Caroline's Cart on this latest success, and wish them even more in the future!

You can find out more about Caroline's Cart on Facebook, on Twitter, or at their website. Their website also includes a comprehensive listing of retailers using the cart near you.

Our Innovative Technology series is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and breakthroughs in mobility device design, medical breakthroughs, and more. Whether you are using a wheelchair, walker, scooter or power chair, keep checking back to the HDS Medallion Blog to keep up on the newest innovations in the world of disability technology!

Over the past decade, we’ve watched the technology we use every day rapidly evolve. From phones to televisions, computers to household appliances, nearly everything we use today is far more advanced than what we were using only a few years ago. Shouldn’t that also be the case with mobility devices? WHILL certainly believes so, and their revolutionary new model is leading many to believe the future is now. We saw WHILL at last year’s Boston Abilites Expo, and decided to learn more about it. Here’s what we discovered!

It only takes a quick glance to realize the WHILL Model A is a significantly different from the mobility devices we’re used to seeing. The sleek style, uniquely designed wheels and new control mechanisms make the Model A look as if it was pulled from a science fiction movie. However, make no mistake; the design of this chair isn’t just for show. Every aspect of the Model A that looks different than other mobility devices also provides functionality that older models can’t match.

One of the difficult choices that those in need of mobility devices have to make when deciding on a model is whether to sacrifice obstacle clearance for a tight turning radius, or vice versa. Previous models simply weren’t designed to offer both. WHILL’s Model A doesn’t ask you to make that choice. The Model A is the first mobility device to offer All Directional Wheel Technology, along with four wheel drive, providing an incredibly tight turning radius. When combined with wheels that are composed of twenty-four individual rollers, it means the chair can handle a wide variety of terrains that other mobility devices simply couldn’t traverse. The larger wheels also provide up to 3” of obstacle clearance, allowing the device to tackle curbs or bumps with ease.

The Model A also handles sharp inclines without issue. Being headquartered in San Francisco, WHILL understood better than most that hills can be a real challenge, and they wanted a device that was up to the task. The Model A can handle a 10 degree incline with ease, more than double the incline of a standard accessibility ramp. It also has an electromagnetic brake system that automatically engages when the chair is stopped on an incline, to avoid any unwanted rolling. That braking system simply disengages when the device is propelled forward again, meaning the chair works for you without the need for additional input from the user. That’s a real plus for someone whose motor functions may be limited.

WHILL’s innovative use of technology doesn’t stop with the wheels and brakes, however. The Model A offers battery life previously unheard of in mobility devices, offering up to twelve miles on a full charge. To put that in perspective, you could cross the Golden Gate Bridge six times before needing to recharge! The Model A is also Bluetooth enabled, and WHILL has designed a powerful app for your phone or tablet that offers a wide range of control options right at your fingertips. You can drive the Model A using the app (even when you’re not riding it), change the speed settings for the device, or lock the machine so no one can use it. Considering all the innovation packed into this device, it’s not surprising that they’ve won a number of prestigious design awards, most recently taking the 2015 Good Design Award grand prize.

We were able to take a look at the Model A at last year’s Boston Abilities Expo, and we can absolutely confirm that the device is just as impressive in person as it sounds. WHILL also promises a commitment to customer care, and judging from our interactions with the company, their customers are definitely in good hands. Best of all, we were able to confirm that our HDS Medallion Designer CarryAll Bags look and work great on this device, as you can see pictured below! HDS Medallion and WHILL: two innovative products that are fabulously functional!

Mobility devices were invented to offer freedom to those who need them, and WHILL has truly embraced this concept. By creating a device with exceptionally long operating range, the latest technology, and the ability to handle terrain and inclines other devices simply can’t, WHILL is offering a level of independence previously unheard of from mobility devices. With the Model A, the future of mobility devices is here, and we can’t wait to see what else WHILL has planned!

At HDS Medallion, we cherish every moment we spend interacting face-to-face with our customers and visitors at expos. It’s not just about having the opportunity to bring our products directly to those who benefit from them the most, either. For us, every event is an opportunity to see first-hand the amazing ways people adapt their minds and bodies to manage whatever disability they may have, in order to improve their way of life. The more shows we attend, the more we find ourselves so impressed with the people and with the astounding capabilities of the service dogs who often accompany them.

If you were to ask the average person who they think benefits the most from a service dog, the typical response will most often be the blind. However, a service dog can be a life-changing blessing for people with all sorts of disabilities, enabling them with a level of freedom they may not be able to achieve without their four-legged helper.

A service dog isn’t just there to provide companionship, though that’s certainly one of the advantages. One of the benefits of pet ownership is knowing that, no matter how bad the day was, there is someone waiting at home who’s simply thrilled to see you. More importantly, service dogs make such outstanding partners for people with disabilities because of the wide range of skills they can learn. One beautiful service dog we met recently could respond to over sixty commands… amazing!

According to DisabilityAssistanceDogs.org, service dogs can be “specialized” in order to provide the skill set most needed for their owner. Mobility assistance dogs can pull a wheelchair or mobility device, reach objects their owner can’t, and assist with using stairs. They can even be trained to help their owners dress themselves. Medical response dogs can be trained to bring medications as needed, or help diabetic patients maintain their sugar levels. Seizure response dogs can comfort and assist owners when they experience a seizure, by laying them down, getting help, or detecting the seizure before it begins.

Needless to say, service dogs undergo very specific and lengthy training, and only certain breeds tend to work well. It’s not just about personality types, either. A service dog needs to be big enough to comfortably lift objects or open doors, while not being so large that it’s difficult to navigate public spaces. According to AssistanceDogsInternational.org, Golden Retrievers and Labradors tend to be the most popular breeds for service animals, meeting both the physical requirements as well as the personality needed. After all, no one has ever met an unfriendly Golden Retriever!

Dogs are known as “man’s best friend”, and nowhere is that more true than the relationship between a service dog and an owner. Any pet owner can tell you there’s nothing easier than loving your animal, but when that same animal also provides you with the help you need to live your life independently, it’s nothing short of miraculous.

Looking to help an organization that provides these animals to those in need, or know someone you think may benefit from the help of a service dog? There are a number of organizations you can contact, like those mentioned above, as well as DogsForTheDisabled.org, PawsWithACause.org, and NEADS.org, just to name a few. Help someone find their new best friend today!

It is often easier for people with disabilities who need care to find a place in an institution than to receive at-home services that would allow them to remain with their families in their communities. A new bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer attempts to change that.

Under the bill, individuals with disabilities who are considered eligible for institutional care would be guaranteed the option to receive services at home or in another setting of their choice. The bill, called the Disability Integration Act, would dramatically change the status quo.

Current laws generally provide for institutional care, such as nursing homes and other facilities, for people who need help with eating, bathing, housekeeping, and other daily activities. Community-based services are less widely available and often have long waiting lists. Schumer’s bill would outlaw waiting lists and prohibit caps on services and low pay that limit access to community support services.

Schumer said he sponsored the bill because he believes that people with disabilities have the right to live independent lives with their families and friends. Under the current system, people are often forced to live in institutions far from their community support systems. He wants the government to do more to give people with disabilities resources to live and thrive in their own homes.

The proposal would apply to services provided by Medicaid and private long-term services and supports insurance. States would receive an increase in federal funding for Medicaid if they complied within a specific timeframe.

Disability rights advocates support the measure. They believe it would be a major step forward for people with disabilities because it would establish community living as a civil right protected by law.

Many people with disabilities would rather stay in their homes with their families than to live in nursing homes and other institutions. This bill would make it possible for more disabled individuals to receive the services they need and to remain close to their families and communities.

Epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord allowed four young men who have been paralyzed for years to voluntarily move their legs. The study was funded by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and other institutions.

The four research participants had chronic motor complete spinal cord injuries and could not move their legs. They ranged in neurological level from C7-T5. It had been at least two years since each of their injuries.

Direct epidural electrical stimulation was applied to the participants’ lower spinal cords. The stimulation mimicked signals the brain normally transmits to cause movement. After the signal was triggered, the spinal cord reengaged its neural network to control and direct muscle movement.

After the treatments, all were able to move their lower extremities. Three were able to move immediately after the stimulator was implanted and activated. The effect was enhanced when combined with rehabilitative therapy. Over time, the participants were able to move with less stimulation, which indicates that their spinal networks were able to learn and improve their neural functions.

The results and rapid recovery were unexpected. Researchers believe some pathways may still be intact after an injury and able to facilitate voluntary movements. This groundbreaking work demonstrates that patients have the potential for functional recovery even after a devastating spinal cord injury.

The participants’ health has improved in other ways. They have increased muscle mass and regulated their blood pressure. They also have reduced fatigue and improved well-being. All four participants were able to independently bear weight.

HDS Medallion and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation are partners. You can support the foundation’s groundbreaking research by purchasing one of HDS Medallion’s Classic Poppy Punch Caribbean Blue, Espresso Flower Shower, or Pretty Paisley Bright Blue bags or a Premier Daisy bag. One of the original five designated bags has sold out, so as of January 1st we are adding the Reeve Foundation designation to our Premier Jeweled Ribbon bag. With your purchase of any of these five bags, we will donate $7 to the Reeve Foundation so they can continue their important work to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

This week we honor Mom’s 108th birthday (December 27th) and her passing (January 1, 2010). While I could write a lot about her as a Mom and grandmother, that’s probably interesting only to us. Instead, I’d like to acknowledge her role in the design and production of our carryall bags. After all, while the HDS in our name are her initials, she contributed so much more than just that. (Of course, with a name like Hazel Della Snodgrass, you can understand why we used her initials instead of calling them the Snodgrass bags!)

My mother had a very interesting life. She was born in Montague County, Texas in 1907. When she was 3, the family moved to Dumas, TX via covered wagon and then began homesteading in Oklahoma’s panhandle in 1912. The only girl with four brothers, she worked hard on the wheat farm, cooking, cleaning, preserving food, etc. Unusual for a woman at the time, she completed college, as did all of her brothers. She then taught in a one room school house until she married our dad in 1932. They moved around a lot, especially during WWII, but eventually settled in Texas, where Mom was an elementary teacher until her retirement at 65. My sister and I were both born in Austin, and then we moved to Midland in early 1950. That's where Mom remained until her 85th year, when she moved to Houston to be near Sharon, my sister and the designer of our bags.

Whether she made or bought her clothes (and ours), Mom always looked nice. “Well put together” was the way one friend described her style, and you'd be hard-pressed to disagree. She always carried a nice bag and coordinating shoes with her nails done, her pretty white hair with silver flecks, always coiffed. She took pride in her appearance, and it showed. She rode a stationary bike for years to keep her cute little 5’ 2” figure, but loved junk food like poppycock! She remained very healthy until she fell and broke her hip at 99 ½, shortly after she celebrated her granddaughter’s college graduation. Due to her age and condition, she had to move to an assisted living facility, and required the use of a walker.

She was so ticked off at her circumstances, but the worst was that she could not carry her purses. After all, regular purses just don't work on walkers. And she had mail, a wallet, her peppermint candies, her compact, and other things to carry. Even with a rollator that had a basket, she was still adamant that she needed a pretty purse – not an open basket. Therefore, she insisted that my sister find her a pretty bag. We both tried to find one that met her standards and would work on her walker, but were both entirely unsuccessful. Mom then ordered Sharon, who sews, to make her one. Sharon made a beautiful bag out of a quilted fabric with flowers with beads and gave it to Mom. Within a day, all of Mom’s friends with walkers and power chairs wanted one, and Sharon quickly found herself designing and sewing more bags.

When I returned to Texas to visit, a number of the ladies insisted I see their bags. They loved them and all declared how the bags made them happy, feel good, feel important, reminded them of younger days, etc. That’s when the idea of a walker bag company began. Mom was a bit fascinated by the concept and funded our first visit to a textile show to see fabric, trim, and talk to vendors. It was a great experience that launched a two year start up process.

Before Mom died, she knew that husband Bill and I were starting the business and that Sharon had chosen to be the designer. Now we make bags for all types of mobility devices, for all kinds of people, and have designed a wide range of pretty bags, fun bags, chic bags and more for walkers, wheelchairs, power chairs, scooters, segways, strollers, etc. They allow women to demonstrate their style just like Hazel did! We like to think she would be so proud of what she inspired... thanks Mom!

We at HDS Medallion hope everyone had a happy holiday. While most Americans are familiar with Christmas and Hanukkah, people of non-Judeo-Christian faiths celebrate other holidays around this time of year. So we did a little research. These are some of the other special days that other world religions celebrate in December.

Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day on December 8. That marks the day when Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, achieved enlightenment. Buddhists eat cake, drink tea, and quietly study readings. Some Buddhists decorate trees with ornaments to celebrate unity.

Kwanzaa, December 26 - January 1, is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community. Kwanzaa is an ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it.

Different Muslim sects may celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi, the observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The date varies depending on the calendar used by different sects.

Taoists do not believe in a transcendent God, but they celebrate the integrity and beauty of the infant in the manger. Taoists believe babies are closer to Tao than most adults because they have the emptiness in mind that Taoism strives to achieve.

Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live a life of harmlessness and renunciation. Many Jains celebrate Hindu holidays and believe in ahimsa, or ”peace towards all living beings in thought, word, and action.” Some of the non-Christian customs and symbols of the Christmas season are important to Jains.

Wiccans celebrate the Winter Solstice, or Yule, on December 21. Solstice night is one of the longest nights of the year and turns into the rebirth of the sun the following day. Wiccans light bonfires and wassail trees and conduct toasts with spiced cider.

Canada, the United Kingdom, and most other countries in the British Commonwealth celebrate Boxing Day on December 26. The tradition may have originated from Saint Stephen’s Day, a Christian holiday celebrated on that day.

December is a festive time of year for many of the world’s religions. We hope you enjoyed spending time with family and friends on whatever holiday you celebrated this year.

A fully-functioning hotel that provides employment and educational opportunities for workers with disabilities was scheduled to open with a ribbon cutting on December 22. The 150-room Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center is a 113,000-square-foot facility attached to the local convention center in Muncie, Indiana.

Starting the day it opens, at least 20 percent of the hotel’s 129 employees will be individuals with developmental or other types of disabilities. People with disabilities are already employed in all parts of the hotel’s operations, including the front desk, housekeeping, and the bistro and restaurant located on site.

Arc of Indiana led the $32 million project, which was partially funded by the state of Indiana. The project includes a training institute where people with disabilities from across Indiana will come for nine- to 13-week sessions and learn vocational skills related to hospitality, food service, and healthcare. Participants will intern at the hotel, restaurant, or a nearby hospital. The first class is scheduled to begin January 11.

The project’s goal is to significantly improve employment opportunities and post-secondary education for people with disabilities. The leaders behind the project hope that word will spread about the quality of the hotel’s workers and people who are trained at the institute and that other businesses and industries will be encouraged to hire more people with disabilities.

The new hotel and training center will provide excellent opportunities for people with disabilities to learn valuable skills and obtain gainful employment. We wish all of the workers and trainees success in their new careers and hope that the hotel will serve as a model for other businesses.

Audrey Self has made remarkable progress since being severely injured in a car accident in November 2013. She recently defied expectations and walked across the finish line in a marathon with a relay team.

Self’s doctors and family consider her a medical miracle. She was left in a coma with a traumatic brain injury after her Toyota Camry was hit by a dump truck. Doctors at Baylor University Medical Center did not expect her to survive. Self was in a coma for a month and underwent four months of rehabilitation. She returns to the hospital to work with physical therapists every week.

Self was a junior majoring in accounting at Southern Methodist University in Texas at the time of the accident. She began playing the violin again this spring and enrolled in an accounting class at Richland College. She has also accomplished other milestones that seem simple to most people, like sitting on the floor.

On December 13, Self walked the final 300 yards in the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon as a member of a relay team. She crossed the finish line surrounded by supporters. Self’s mother, Julie, said Audrey had worked very hard on her recovery, never taking a day off. Julie said Audrey’s walking across the finish line represented her dedication to making a recovery.

Self also gave a speech in May at a trauma survivors reunion hosted by Baylor Hospital. She said she has been making strides with hard work, patience, perseverance, and time. Self said her injury can help her fulfill her purpose, which is to help others.

Audrey Self has come a long way since suffering a devastating injury. Her dedication, perseverance, and positive spirit have enabled her to accomplish amazing things that many people did not think possible. We wish her continued success in her recovery.

The holidays are right around the corner. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a friend or family member who uses a wheelchair, walker, power chair or scooter, give her a stylish and fabulously functional bag from HDS Medallion. It’s a gift women use daily.

Our bags are specifically designed to be used with mobility devices. Our Premier, Demi-Premier and Metro Collection bags have detachable, adjustable straps that allow them to fit nearly all devices especially wheelchairs, power chairs and scooters. They can even be configured into a regular shoulder or handbag for use away from a device. Our Classic Collection bags are terrific for walkers, scooters and thin armed power chairs. Wondering if our bags will fit your loved one’s or friend’s device? We provide step by step instructions on how to be sure on our new website.

Our mobility bags are stylish and come in many attractive styles and designs. Our bags appeal to women and girls of all ages and come in many attractive patterns and color schemes to suit everyone’s tastes. You are sure to find a bag that the woman or girl on your list will love as an expression of her style!

We are offering special savings now through the end of the year. Click on the link for our coupons page and see which offer is best for you. You can choose between 15 percent off the cost of the bags ordered (excluding taxes and shipping) or free shipping between now and year-end. Or you can save $5 if this is your first time purchasing an HDS Medallion bag. Note the code for the offer you choose and enter it when you check out. Only one coupon code can be used on any given order.

A designer bag is the perfect holiday gift for the woman or girl in your life who uses a wheelchair, walker, power chair or scooter. It will help her carry all the things she needs on a daily basis and will help her feel stylish and confident. Order your HDS Medallion designer mobility bag today to make sure it arrives in time for the holidays. Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations chose this day to promote understanding of people with disabilities and to encourage support for their dignity, rights, and well-being.

The United Nations chooses a theme for IDPwD each year. The theme for 2015 is “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.” The goal is to raise awareness of challenges that people with disabilities face in societies throughout the world and to find ways to overcome these obstacles through improved access and government interventions.

The UN has also chosen three sub-themes for this year. One is making cities inclusive and accessible for all. While cities around the world have been making advancements in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities, more needs to be done. In many cities, streets, buildings, and public transportation are not wheelchair-accessible.

Another sub-theme for this year is improving disability data and statistics. Governments collect a wealth of data on people with disabilities and their needs. This information is important for creating government programs and passing laws to address the needs of individuals with disabilities.

The third sub-theme for IDPwD is including persons with invisible disabilities in society and development. Many people have disabilities that are not readily apparent. People with intellectual disabilities or mental illness face challenges and need support from their communities and governments to live full and productive lives.

Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an important way for governments and societies around the world to address challenges people with disabilities face and to recognize their contributions. We hope that people will be motivated to take action to improve the lives of people with disabilities in their countries and their local communities.

A new rule that is set to go into effect on January 1, 2016 will cut payments for complex rehabilitation technology and make it more difficult for many disabled people to get access to the wheelchairs and accessories they need.

The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 required the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use data collected from the collective bidding program to adjust payment rates for certain items in January 2016. In 2008, Congress passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) that exempted complex rehabilitation technology from the competitive bidding program.

CMS has adopted final rule CMS 1614F that will impose lower prices for CRT accessories and seating that were excluded by MIPPA starting on January 1. The payment rates could be cut by up to 30 percent. This would raise out-of-pocket costs and reduce or eliminate access to these items.

In response to the rule, over 100 senators and representatives have signed a letter to CMS asking it not to cut payments for CRT accessories and seating systems. Major user associations, including the United Spinal Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the MS Society, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the ITEM Coalition, have also expressed their opposition to the proposed cuts. Reps. Joseph Crowley and James Sensenbrenner Jr. have introduced the Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act that would create a separate Medicare benefit category for CRT.

If CMS implements these cuts, people who rely on CRT may find it difficult or impossible to obtain the products they need to live independent lives. We urge CMS to reconsider its position and to continue to exclude CRT from competitive bidding as it has been since 2008.